Easy Italian Sausage Pasta in a Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

Nestled within the heart of comfort cuisine lies an irresistible Italian sausage pasta that promises a burst of Mediterranean flavors.

Robust ingredients dance together in a harmonious blend of rich tomato and fragrant basil.

Savory sausage pieces mingle with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a dish that whispers tales of rustic Italian kitchens.

Home cooks will find this recipe surprisingly simple yet impressively delicious.

Each forkful carries the warmth of traditional cooking techniques passed through generations.

Aromatic herbs and tender meat promise a meal that transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Let’s uncover the magic that turns basic ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Pairings for Italian Sausage Pasta Dinners

Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the spicy sausage and rich tomato sauce, enhancing the meal’s overall flavor profile.

Serve warm, toasted garlic bread alongside the pasta to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crispy textural contrast to the soft pasta.

Create a light, peppery arugula salad dressed with olive oil and lemon to cut through the richness of the sausage and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty pasta dish.

End the meal with a classic Italian dessert like vanilla or pistachio gelato, offering a cool, smooth conclusion that cleanses the palate after the savory main course.

How to Store Tomato Basil Sausage Pasta Easily

• Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Pack the cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, keeping the sauce and pasta intact to preserve texture and flavor.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are excellent choices because they hold the sauce well and catch the sausage pieces in their curves.

• Can I use a different meat instead of Italian sausage?

Ground beef or ground turkey can be substituted, but they’ll have a slightly different flavor profile compared to the spicy Italian sausage.

• How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that’s not overpowering. You can adjust the amount or omit them entirely based on your spice tolerance.

• Is fresh basil necessary, or can I use dried?

Fresh basil provides the best flavor and aroma, but if unavailable, use dried basil – just reduce the quantity by about two-thirds since dried herbs are more concentrated.

What Makes Italian Sausage Pasta in Tomato Basil Sauce Special

• Speedily Satisfy Cravings: This Italian sausage pasta delivers a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together quickly with minimal kitchen skills needed.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by adding or reducing red pepper flakes, making it perfect for various taste preferences and family members.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The rich tomato basil sauce with savory Italian sausage creates a classic, crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking steps mean less cleanup and more time enjoying a delicious homemade meal.

Ingredients for Italian Sausage Tomato Basil Pasta

• Pasta: A classic Italian staple that forms the base of this delicious dish.
• Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds rich, savory depth to the sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: The foundation of the sauce, providing a smooth and tangy base.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that create a robust and flavorful foundation for the sauce.
• Basil, Oregano: Fresh herbs that bring a classic Italian flavor and fragrant aroma to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A spicy addition that provides a subtle heat and complexity to the sauce.

• Olive Oil: A key ingredient for sautéing and adding a smooth, rich texture to the dish.
• Tomato Paste: A concentrated tomato product that intensifies the sauce's flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the recipe.
• Parmesan Cheese: An optional topping that adds a salty, nutty finish to the pasta.

Simple Steps for Making Sausage Pasta at Home

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta until it reaches that ideal al dente texture.

Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to dance with the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Crumble the Italian sausage into the pan, breaking it into bite-sized pieces. Cook until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown and is fully cooked through.

Step 3: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté these flavor-packed ingredients for a few minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet, mellow aroma.

Step 4: Intensify Tomato Flavor

Stir in tomato paste and let it cook for a quick minute.

This simple step helps to deepen and concentrate the rich tomato essence of the sauce.

Step 5: Create the Sauce Base

• Dried oregano
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the sauce simmer and bubble gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and develop a rich, robust character.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Basil

Toss in fresh chopped basil and the previously cooked pasta. Gently stir to ensure every strand is coated with the vibrant, fragrant sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the pasta and, if desired, crown it with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while piping hot and bursting with flavor.

Tips for Flavorful Tomato Basil Sausage Pasta

• Break up the sausage into small, even pieces while cooking to ensure uniform browning and maximum flavor distribution.
• Simmer the sauce uncovered to let excess liquid evaporate, creating a rich, thick texture that clings beautifully to pasta.
• Add fresh basil at the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant color and bright, aromatic flavor profile.
• Cook pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to absorb sauce when mixed, maintaining the ideal texture.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to personal heat preference, allowing each diner to customize their spice experience.

Creative Sausage Pasta Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich, savory flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Chorizo Remix: Substitute Italian sausage with spicy chorizo for a bolder, more intense flavor profile that adds a Mexican-inspired kick to the classic recipe.
• Light Mediterranean Variation: Use turkey sausage instead of traditional pork sausage, reducing fat content while keeping the authentic Italian taste intact.

Italian Sausage Pasta In A Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian Sausage Pasta delivers robust Mediterranean flavors in one sensational dish. Rich tomato basil sauce and spicy sausage create a comforting meal that will transport you straight to a charming Italian kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 400 grams (14 ounces) Italian sausage, casings removed

Pasta and Starch:

• 350 grams (12 ounces) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 can (400 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain and reserve.
2. Select a generously sized skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high temperature. Introduce Italian sausage, methodically crumbling with a wooden utensil until rich golden brown and completely cooked.
3. Incorporate finely diced onion and minced garlic into the sausage. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, allowing vegetables to soften and release aromatic flavors.
4. Introduce tomato paste, stirring continuously for 60 seconds to intensify the robust tomato essence and develop deeper flavor profile.
5. Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet. Season with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and ground black pepper. Allow sauce to gently simmer for 12-15 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching.
6. Fold freshly chopped basil and drained pasta into the simmering sauce. Toss thoroughly, ensuring every pasta strand gets evenly coated and heated through.
7. Transfer to serving dishes immediately. Optional: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory complexity.

Notes

• Swap spicy Italian sausage with mild version for less heat or use plant-based alternative for vegetarian diet.
• Pat sausage dry before cooking to ensure better browning and caramelization of meat.
• Reserve small amount of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed, helping sauce adhere perfectly to pasta.
• Fresh basil makes significant difference compared to dried herbs, adding bright, aromatic flavor to final dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 495 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg